Conceiving a Security-Enhancing Theory

Abstract

This book develops a theory of “empirical realism” to address unprecedented challenges to US security and utilize new opportunities for global governance. Empirical realism differs from political realism in emphasizing that anarchy in the international system can be reduced to increase US security. A synthesis of peace research and security studies identifies the primary correlates of peace and develops a strategy to implement these. The goal is to maximize the likelihood of peace rather than primarily to maximize US military power. By addressing all nations’ security fears, increasing equity, respecting reciprocity, expanding the role of international law, and growing democratic global governance, the governability of the international system can be increased enough to manage dangers from non-state actors, non-military security threats, hyper-independent states, populists, and the violently permissive balance-of-power system. A global grand strategy for human security can succeed where a national grand strategy for US security is likely to fail.